'Saw' Deconstruction- Horror

‘Saw’, released in 2004 and directed by James Wan is a classic all-gore horror movie about a sadistic, serial killer of which identity remains a mystery. The opening two minutes are shot with a handheld camera, due to this the movement of the shots are very shaky and rarely smooth. The use of the handheld camera significantly takes away from the Hollywood feel that a lot of horror movies have. This gives it a ‘home-made’ feel to it and as a result, makes all images and ideas behind it a lot scarier because it appears much more real and true to life; as if it has actually happened, or is currently happening somewhere. The images shown are random newspaper cuttings, including pictures of a dolls face, which becomes somewhat of a trademark image as the film progresses. One newspaper article reads ‘Our dad is still missing after 14 days’. This newspaper cutting suggests there is tragedy and possibly violence to come in the film, and typical of the horror genre, this information given in the opening credits certainly gives an insight into the film to follow. At one point the camera focuses in on what appears to be a scrap book containing images of torture devices. The use of the scrap book adds a sense of pride and admiration to the disturbing images making the themes of this film all that more disturbing, when considering someone is taking joy in others pain. All the while these images are being shown; there is a muffled sound in the background, resembling that of a camera or microphone. Over the top of this is a slow but regular guitar rhythm repeating the same sequence. This soft music contradicts the harsh and disturbing images being shown, and this contrast of moods creates a sense of unease and possibly confusion of feelings/emotions amongst the audience, adding to the discomfort usually felt when watching a horror. After this, the sound increases in pitch and volume and the images change from the handheld camera to a black and white fuzzy T.V screen; this is when the credits begin. It begins by showing the production company, and continues to show disturbing images in-between of hand restraints etc. Once these credits are finished, the camera uses a moving shot of what appears to be a deep sink, at this same point in the opening an electric guitar begins holding deep notes. As the music and shot continues, we begin to see an image of a large blood smothered knife and a type of vice; Scattered around these objects are drops of blood. From this we are immediately aware of the horror in the film, especially seeing as all techniques and themes are typical of horror, and most certainly reiterate its conventions. Following this more images are shown of people hands being restrained in chains, and immediately after we are shown the names of both the producer and director. Editing techniques such as fast changing shots creates a sense of confusion and disorientation for the audience. Finally we are taken to a black and white fuzzy T.V screen that eventually produces the word ‘SAW’, and then cuts to black.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gr69xaMQAU